Nov. poll: APC will ensure thorough screening of aspirants –Izunaso

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will ensure thorough screening of the credentials of all the aspirants contesting the Anambra State governorship election on its ticket, Senator Osita Izunaso, the party’s National Organising Secretary, has said.

Izunaso made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while inaugurating the party´s screening and appeal committee ahead of the November 18 poll.

He inaugurated the committee after the party´s National Chairman; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun had a closed door meeting with the aspirants.

While handing over the expression of interest and nomination forms of the aspirants to the committee chairman, Izunaso tasked him to ensure the authenticity of documents submitted by the aspirants.

He said that all round investigation must be carried out on all the 12 aspirants, including their level of support for the party.

´´ You have to look at their support for the party both at the state and the national level.

`You are to score the aspirants, if anybody does not score up to 50 per cent, the person stands disqualified.

´´ You have to look at their credentials; I am sure you know that the minimum requirement is school certificate, but if any aspirant brings a PHD certificate, you have to look at it properly to ensure it´s correct.

´´It might lead to perjury if it is not correct, which might even led to the person losing the seat even after winning the election, ´´ Izunaso said.

The organising secretary said the seven man screening committee would be headed by Mr. Agboola Ajayi, Ondo State Deputy Governor while Alhaji Ishaya Ibrahim would serve as secretary.

Izunaso, who expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious at the election, added that Sen. Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communication would head the appeal committee.

The party had also fixed screening appeal for August 14 and August 15, while its primary election and primary election appeal for aspirants were scheduled for August 19 and August 21.

The APC made a total of N60.5 million from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms to the aspirants.

While male aspirants purchased the forms at the cost of N5.5 million each, the female aspirant was given a waiver.

The aspirants are Mr. George Moghalu, Sen. Andy Uba, Mr. Paul Chukwuma, Madu Nonso, Bart Nwibe Bart and Mr. Patrick Nwike.

Others included Mr. Tony Nwoye, Mr. Chike Obidigbo, Johnbosco Onunkwo, Adaobi Uchegbu, Adaobi Uchegbu and Uzoh Obinna.